Halichondria panicea

Bread-crumb sponge

Halichondria panicea is an encrusting sponge covering surfaces of several square centimeters.
According to habitat, it may form groups or even massive structures. Borders are irregular and lobe-shaped. Oscules
are clearly visible and crater-shaped. The surface is smooth and glossy. The colour is variable from orange-yellow
to brownish green. A symbiotic algae inhabits the sponge tissues giving it its green colour, or more rarely a
reddish brown colour. This species is also strongly odoriferous.
It is very frequent in the intertidal area, attached to rocks, algae, shells and can also live in deep water areas.
It is recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and down to the
Mediterranean Sea.

How to cite this page in publications

Bay-Nouailhat W., June 2004, Description of Halichondria panicea, Available on line at http://www.european-marine-life.org/02/halichondria-panicea.php, consulted on 19 November 2018.Also consult : Terms of use and copyrights